If you'd like to read the 'canned' professional version then click here. If you'd like the more human version then read on ...
I live on the beautiful Gold Coast, Australia. Weather-wise it's a cross between California and Florida.
This is my gorgeous 16 year-old daughter, Connor. Oh she is growing up so fast! It seems a moment ago she was a baby in my arms and yet this year she goes into Grade 11 and is boy mad! She is an awesome part of my life - she has so much love to share and a wisdom that astounds me.
Have you heard the saying "our children are our greatest teachers". Well this is so true for Connor and I.
She teaches me so much, in so many ways, what a blessing she is, what a challenge she is!
We live on 2 acres with Scruffy our dog (for the first time we've got a small dog and now I 'get' how people get so ga ga over their little dogs, he's absolutely stolen our hearts). My horse Quickdraw - weird name I know, but he came with it and I didn't have the heart to change it. He's an Australian Stock Horse (who apparently is no good at Polocrosse, but I'm doing my best to turn him into a dressage horse!). And our latest addition is Meelos the terrifically fun cat!
Sadly, no permanent partner at the moment, but I'm sure he and I will find each other sometime soon!
Using all I've learnt, from the personal growth adventure I've been on over the years, I've designed a fabulous life, for which I'm so deeply grateful.
I (primarily) work from home - coaching (over the phone) awesome leaders from around the world, writing articles and creating new products for my membership site which you'll find over at Align-Lead-Inspire that help people (leaders in particular) to align with their potential and be at their best.
It's 20 steps from my bedroom to my office, which, I've learnt can be a blessing and a nightmare!
Generally, I work less than 20 hours each week. And the wonderful thing is that it can be at any hour that suits me. If I'm awake at 2.00 am then I can work. If I want to ride my horse at 2.00 pm then that's fine too. In fact it's 1.00 pm and I've just arrived back from morning tea and the movies with a girlfriend.
Because I schedule my own hours most days I drop off and pick up Connor at school, which I count as a real blessing, because I know so many Mums and Dads out there would love to be able to do the sam.
Even though I primarily work from home - a couple of days a month I'm out and about running workshops or speaking. I then get to be with many amazing people who stimulate and challenge me to use more of my potential.
My hobbies are reading, horse-riding, playing hockey, watching V8 Supercars motorsport, travelling to experience new things and meet new people, spending time with friends, sailing, going to the gym and writing. I am into spirituality - no particular religion - but each day focus on living an as aligned life as I can.
Thinking about what I've written on the page, I am so very lucky. I'm in a most wonderful place: physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. Is life perfect? Of course not, there's plenty of challenges (as Tony Robbins says - if you don't have challenges you are dead!) ... but is it delightful? ABSOLUTELY!
When asked how I am, I always respond with a heart-felt
'Terrific! And getting better'
I do hope that what I share on my website touches you and enables you to align with your potential and further enhance your life so that you too live with ....
Love and laughter

PS: If you want the professional bio version, then please click here.
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When I think back on the time we worked together, I always realize how much of an influence you had on my career.
I have spread the learnings from you throughout the Middle East now ;-). We have over 6000 employees, so your influence has been far-reaching.
I always think back with very fond memories on our work together. It really did shape my leadership skills.
Jan Bijsterbosch, Senior Vice President, Emirates Flight Catering
When you are in your day to day action you sometimes don't have time to think beyond your own world view.
In leadership there is often no-one to go to, that's where Shelley comes in.
She asks the questions that you don't ask yourself.
Shelley changes your view: instead of what's happening to you to what are you doing to make it happen to you.
Shelley challenges the self-delusion you sometimes use to justify not doing something.
I have personally grown by working with Shelley and each session I take away a new pearl to add to my collection.
She has helped me understand myself better. I know the whole world responds to how I choose to react to it
Keith Stanley, CEO, NRMA Tourism & Leisure
She is both challenging and supportive, with a deep understanding of the commercial environment in which I work.
Her enthusiasm, expertise and kindness make her an excellent coach and wonderful to work with.
Kathy Mac Dermott, General Manager – Corporate Communication, Rowland
While we can find 101 excuses why things aren't working, Shelley refocuses us on discovering the truth behind every situation.
In doing so she throws down a powerful challenge to do things differently and create new realities through personal growth.
The combination of no-nonsense adviser and spiritual mentor makes Shelley the perfect guide for those ready to undertake a journey of discovery.
Marie Dunn, Director Culture & Change, Rowland
Shelley has provided me with objective, insightful feedback that has helped me improve my leadership.
Shelley has challenged me to look at my weaknesses as an opportunity for self development. I know that by working with Shelley I have seen personal growth, professional improvement and the business has seen increased profits.
Coaching for me has been the material difference in continual development of my leadership. I have Shelley to thank for her openness and commitment to me. She has pushed when I needed and lead me to my own finding.
Allisa Pollok, Executive General Manager, Flight CentreLeadership development is not always easy and requires lots of self evaluation. Shelley makes you feel at home with this 'risky' part of learning.
I found the Breakthrough Leadership teleseminar course an excellent resource for stepping up a level; the format, the resources and Shelley's great teaching style all make for an enjoyable, insightful and efficient way to really develop. - Thanks!
Kelvin Blair, Site Manager, Alinta Energy
I'd like to let you know that I have really enjoyed being a part of teleseminar series Breakthrough Leadership.
You have delivered sessions that have given me some great day to day business tips, made me stretch my thinking and given me many ideas for personal development days with my team.
But most importantly the sessions have supported me to re-connect with my personal dreams, which had been tucked away for a number of years ...
so thank you and keep doing what you do so well, it does INSPIRE!
Valerie Campbell-Hogg, Prinicpal, Silkwood School
Well, where do I begin to describe the value Shelley has given to me?
A sensitive and caring listener, a challenging and enlightening questioner, a provider of new ideas and resources to support me, always giving more value than promised.
My strategy is clearer, my values are more alive in my work and I am more centered in my work with clients.
Shelley is a professional business coach and more: also a good friend, a dependable supporter and a personal cheering squad!
Stacey Barr, Performance Measurement Consultant
The impact Shelley Holmes has had on the way I view life continues to be one of the most rewarding areas of my self development as a father, a partner, and business owner.
The human spirit is full of dreams, ability, and unfulfilled potential.
Working with Shelley for the last 18 months has confirmed this without doubt; Shelley has helped me find the keys to unlock those dreams and abilities as well as helping me have courage to make the choices that allow me to start the journey to fulfill that potential.
Peter Marer, Director, PM Insurance Advisory Services
By gaining a stronger understanding of my own character type, feelings, strengths, goals and things that truly motivate me I have gained a higher level of self confidence and belief in myself which will assist in my achieving both personal and business goals.
I have always had a strong communication style but have moved away from being rigid and directive to being more engaging and caring which has already enable me to be more approachable.
I really have enjoyed the Breakthrough Leadership Telseminar Series
Michelle Donnan, Brisbane
Shelley was helping us get to know ourselves a little better and that if you are going lead and influence others (whether it is in your work, personal or community life) you need to understand yourself first. How you deal with things that come up, how you work and live with people and what your strengths are, were all going to impact on your success as a leader.
One of the most powerful learnings has been that who am I is not right or wrong. It might be different to how someone else is, but different is just different. Each of us are unique and it would be boring and limiting if we are all the same (and not much fun either). Throughout the programme Shelley has helped me appreciate my uniqueness and made me much more confident about what is me.
Cherie Walters, General Manager, Talsico - Inspiring Learning
Shelley is really gifted in drawing on a huge volume of information and making it concise and pertinent to the issue at hand. This goes for one on one or a group environment.
Our group unanimously thought it was the best session we had ever done. From a self development point of view many of us dug deeper into ourselves at this session than we had ever gone before with family or friends.
Shelley's planning is thorough but she is able to remain flexible and adapt to where the group is going to get the best out of themselves at that time.
She has a unique style that allows everyone to feel comfortable in expressing themselves but doesn't pull any punches when it comes to the core issues ... non judgmental is probably the key word.
Scott Wright, National Leader, Flight Centre
I thought you'd be interested to hear how the material we covered with you in August has improved my ability to discuss business.
In particular, it has helped me to manage some challenging conversations and personalities by not getting defensive and understanding that people can jump to false conclusions if they haven't had the time to digest fully the complexity of what we do.
It was empowering stuff and has given me a new level of confidence and subsequently allowed me to set higher professional goals.
Thanks again and keep up the good work.
John Swinburn, Learning Strategist, Talsico - Inspiring Learning
The Breakthrough Leadership Telesminar course has allowed me to understand there is a different way of leadership, and that it is ok to be myself and allow others to be themselves. People are different and do things for many reasons, they are not right or wrong, they are different.
I would highly recommend the course to leaders who are at the stage where they need some personal guidance rather than the traditional management training methods.
The course has been refreshing and enlightening with a very personal approach and wonderful support from Shelley.
The weekend summit was fantastic with a different insight into peoples personalities, strengths and weaknesses.
It is all about self awareness and Shelley was able to demonstrate this throughout the course continually and with enthusiasm.
I just wanted to say thank you, that you have been truly inspirational!
Narelle Carter, Brisbane
Shelley has excellent presentation skills with the ability to facilitate the involvement of all participants.
Her presentations are practical, motivational and she has a wonderful skill in influencing people into action.
Marie Lismore, Quality & Learning and Development Manger, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals
I forwarded your words onto my six store managers, and two of them have got back to me to say how inspiring they found it. One who is a new manager said it gave her a completely different perspective, and the other one said she was so pleased to find the words that explained what she aspired to. I have encouraged them to forward your email on ...
Nikki Brun, Training & Development Manager – Rigby & Peller London
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